WILLIAM FRANKLIN (1731-1813) Loyalist illegitimate son of Benjamin Franklin, the last Royal Governor of New Jersey. Scarce manuscript D.S. "Wm Franklin" as Governor of New Jersey, 1p. folio, [Burlington], October 27, 1770, approving an act of the New Jersey Assembly and Council allowing for the naturalization of "Frederick Outglet, Leonard Nymaster, Peter Supp, Jorn Bower, Laurence Eykeinier, George Obert, Peter Boert and John Irick... [who] have set forth that they were Born under the Dominions of Foreign Powers in Amity with Great Britain but are not settled or are desirous of settling within this Colony of New Jersey, and of Enjoying the privileges of his Majesty's Natural free born subjects therein, and as they profess the protestant Religion and have given Testimony of their Duty Loyalty and Affection to his Majesty King George the Third and the Succession of the Crown in the Protestant Line...". Signed by Franklin at bottom with an endorsement in his hand: "Council Chamber October 27, 1770. I assent to this Bill Enacting the same and order it to be enrolled. Wm. Franklin". Countersigned by fellow future loyalist PETER KEMBLEas Speaker of the Governor's Council. Usual folds with very minor separations, otherwise fine condition. $500-700